CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - JUNIOR Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration, Hazel Brandy-Williams believes that a unified approach is needed to respond to the challenges facing the world in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, could make a difference.
She noted that everyone has a responsibility to look out for each other and that action would ultimately determine the outcome of the response to infectious diseases.
In her speech to recognise yesterday, December 1, as World AIDS Day, Minister Brandy-Williams emphasised the fact that “individuals and communities have a significant role to play in ending HIV/AIDS”.
She is now calling for “a collective effort in addressing major issues such as stigma and discrimination, and accessibility to services by vulnerable groups is required”.
“An all of society approach can have far-reaching success, whereby the mantra ‘leave no one behind’ will ensure that all who need care are able to access services without fear or reservation,” the Minister said.
Minister Brandy-Williams, like many health officials the world over, lamented that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the successes made over the years to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, notably in the Caribbean.
The Minister suggested that the lockdowns and other strict COVID-19 prevention measures have created a major challenge for persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
She stated that it has prevented access to timely medications or treatment, which can be detrimental to all ailing.
“The plight of vulnerable populations during this pandemic has exposed the health inequalities that continue to exist in our societies. Yet, with correct planning and robust management measures, the 2030 goal can still be achieved.
“Our response to this pandemic can demonstrate how government and private sector agencies and services can work together to fight a common enemy.
“There is a global call this year to ensure that health is fully financed and health systems are strengthened, access for all to life-saving medicine, vaccines, and diagnostics and other health services; respect of human rights and recognition of the rights of women and girls and gender equality,” she added.
According to the Minister, Nevis is doing its part in the HIV/AIDS fight to ensure that no one is left behind.
“The HIV/AIDS Unit within the Health Promotion Unit make certain that, even with ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nevisian community still has access to counseling, testing, and treatment.
“The successes and achievements of the programme over the years should not be overturned and so I commend the staff within the Ministry of Health who work to ensure that these services are maintained for our at-risk groups, pregnant clients, and the general population,” she noted.
The theme for 2020, is ‘Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility’.
